5 Simple Automations to Speed Up Your Windows 11 Experience

Many of us encounter repetitive tasks on our Windows PCs, and I am no exception. My daily routine includes using a pitch template, performing standard AI workflows for research, launching the same applications each morning, organizing them according to my preferences, and the never-ending battle against a chaotic desktop and download folders.

To alleviate the burden of these manual processes, I opted to implement some automated solutions for file management, text entries, application launches, and even display settings. These optimizations are achieved through a selection of user-friendly tools, without the need for complex software like Power Automate or Task Scheduler.

Streamlining Repetitive Typing

The Lifesaving Benefits of Text Expanders

In my work, I often engage in extensive repetitive typing, such as reusing pitching templates, crediting images, filling out forms, and pasting disclaimers. While an advanced clipboard manager like Ditto can track numerous clipboard entries, it still requires manual searches and insertions.

That’s where a text expander, like aText, comes into play. It allows users to establish abbreviations for frequently used texts. For instance, typing “imc” automatically extends to “Image credit—self-captured—no attribution required.”

This tool streamlines everything from email replies to complete templates, letting you insert variable fields like dates, times, and images effortlessly. I have personalized shortcuts for my commonly used phrases, email signatures, and even comprehensive proposal templates.

Intelligent Desktop Management

Achieving a Tidy Desktop

Frequent installation and experimentation with various applications tend to clutter my desktop, turning it into a makeshift workspace littered with temporary files and downloads. To combat this mess, I sought an automated solution.

Using DropIt, I configured my desktop to automatically sort files based on type, categorizing them into designated folders like Documents, Zips, and Images. Setting up DropIt is straightforward. After installation, I first create destination folders for each file type.

For example, I direct images to E:\Desktop Files\Images, PDFs to \PDF, and zip files to \Zip. Afterward, I right-click the down arrow icon on my desktop or system tray to choose Association. From there, I select Add (+ icon), name the file type (like PDF), set the pattern to *.pdf, and choose the appropriate folder.

Next, I specify the desktop as the monitored folder by right-clicking the DropIt icon and navigating to Options. In the Monitoring tab, I click Add, select the desktop, and confirm. Activating Enable scan of monitored folders allows DropIt to check the desktop at specified intervals for new files to move.

Automated Monthly Disk Cleanup

Harnessing the Power of Storage Sense

Windows Settings app showing the storage sense option in Windows 11

My primary NVMe drive frequently runs out of space. While upgrading storage is an option, periodically clearing out junk files proves more efficient. Windows 11 offers a feature known as Storage Sense that automates the cleanup of unwanted files.

To enable and configure Storage Sense, follow these steps:

Navigate to Settings -> System -> Storage.
Activate Storage Sense.
Click on Storage Sense again to access settings for temporary file cleanup.
Specify your Downloads folder to eliminate files based on age.
Set the Recycle Bin to empty on a defined schedule; for instance, I do mine weekly and clear out files older than 30 days.

Automated Application Launch

PowerToys Workspace: A Game Changer

The desire to effortlessly restore my desktop environment after restarts led me to PowerToys Workspace. This tool captures your current setup, enabling you to restore it all at once via a keyboard shortcut.

By pressing Win + Ctrl + Backtick (`) and selecting Launch, you can resurrect all your apps in their original positions. To create a workspace, arrange your applications as desired, save the layout, and remove any unnecessary apps. You can even set up multiple workspaces for different tasks, such as writing, coding, or browsing.

Come the start of the day, simply initiate the shortcut to instantly revive your entire work environment.

Automating Dark Mode

Seamlessly Switch Themes

Auto Dark Mode open on a Windows 11 desktop

Due to my sensitivity to bright screens in dark settings, prolonged exposure to bright lights often leads to eye strain. Although switching to dark mode alleviates this, Windows 11 requires manual toggling between modes.

Auto Dark Mode addresses this issue by automatically transitioning between light and dark themes according to sunset and sunrise. This free app also allows for custom wallpapers, accent colors, and can be configured to remain unchanged during gaming sessions.

I have set it to switch themes according to natural light; during day hours, I use a bright theme, while dark mode activates post-sunset.

Enhancing Daily Workflow

These simple automations reduce the tedium of repetitive tasks such as data entry and organizing files. They help transform a chaotic desktop into a systematic workspace, while also addressing quirks in Windows 11, like switching between light and dark modes. Additionally, quality-of-life tools like Workspace allow for an effortless restoration of personal app layouts. Best of all, none of these tools consumed more than a few minutes during setup and have since operated seamlessly in the background.

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